The problem
In many cities worldwide, unmanaged, neglected free-roaming dog and cat populations – sometimes referred to as “stays” or “street” dogs and cats – face severe challenges.
Impact on animals
Neglect and poor animal welfare:
- Lack of food, shelter, and medical care
- High rates of disease and mortality, especially among young animals
- Conflict with people leading to violence towards animals, including cruel methods of population control
Impact on People
These issues extend beyond animal welfare, affecting human communities:
- Public health risks, including the potential for zoonotic disease transmission like rabies
- Neighbourhood disruptions (e.g., noise, waste scavenging)
- Traffic accidents involving free-roaming animals
- Dog bites from scared, defensive and even rabies symptomatic dogs
- Strained relationships between residents and local authorities
Impact on Cities as a Whole
Unmanaged dog and cat populations can have far-reaching consequences for entire urban areas:
- Reduced quality of life for residents
- Diminished city attractiveness to skilled workers, investors, and tourists
- Negative public image affecting economic growth
- Potential loss of investment opportunities
Root Causes
However, the root of the problem often stems from inadequate policies and leadership. Let’s break down some of those root causes:
- Weak or unenforced animal welfare laws.
- Unregulated breeding leading to unhealthy and poor-quality pets.
- Ineffective and inhumane stray control methods.
- Limited access to affordable veterinary care.
- Lack of animal-friendly urban planning.
- Insufficient community engagement and education.